Rotary wiper improvements



Jan. 15, 1963 J. J. BRYANT 3,072,947

ROTARY WIPER IMPROVEMENTS Filed Dec. 23, 1959 INV EN TOR.

By 9% 9137mm 3,072,947- Patented Jan. 15, 19 63 3,072,947 ROTARY WIPERIMPROVEMENTS p p John J. Bryant, Winnetka, Ill. (359 HawthornSL, GlenEllyn, Ill.) Filed Dec. 23,1959, SenNo. 861,720

5. Claims. (Cl. 15-2502) The object of this invention is to inhibit thedepositing of dirt on certain types of surfaces which must be kept cleanfor optical purposes. 1 I

Another object is to keep the surfacesclean continuously while they areinuse and to do this without interfering in anintolerable degree withthelight-involved. f More particularly, this invention relates to animprovement means over a former invention of mine, entitled RotaryWiper, U.S. Patent No. 2,884,656.v In the=rotary wiper, certain adverseeflects due to centrifugal force on the cleaning element arehereinovercome by special dis.- tribution of rotating mass acting uponthe element;

Where optical surfacesare bathed in moving air,.as in the instance ofthewindshieldor headlight 'of a'moving vehicle, they-will collect dirt;more or less continually;

When a windshield collectsrain water, the viewer is aware of the opticaldistortion caused'by the uneven water film on the glass. The rubbersqueegee windshield wiper represents the displacement method ofrestoringthe smooth glass surface. Since rubber is lubricated by water, thesqueegee blade must apply considerable force with high driving power topenetrate the water film and keepintimate contact with the glass inorder to remove the film. Due to this requirement for continuous contactand high unit pressure, the squeegee is not suited for the removal ofsolid dirt particles. The result of such use is the scratching of theglass, damage to the blade and inadequate cleaning action. Wherelargelight transfer, ence is required through a small area, as in, theinstance Qfiaheadlight 16, 1 removal of opaque and. solid dirtisobviously important. A squeegee --would defeat its purpose by blockingtoo much lightfrom the headlight.

The driver is usually unaware of the gradual dirt collection on hisheadlights because the eye compensates for variations in lightintensity. When he stops for fuel,

the station attendant usually wipes the headlights only when asked to doso. He uses a rag.

In order to set forth the necessary dirt removal propertiesof aheadlight wiper, an analysis of the cleaning properties of the rag ismade. It contacts the dirt and removes it in a random fashion. Severalsweeps are required to contact all points of the lens. This action iscalled Random Contact. Another .action is the absorption of moisturebythe l porated' in the headlight proper 1.

' FIG. 3 isthe front ,view of the wiper adapted-to clean a-concave.lens;. I FIG. 4 is a-front view of the element-employing an extraweight responsive to centrifugal force; FIG; 5 is a side view of-acurved vane rotor adapted to drive the belt type of element; Alsoillustrated are enlarged portions upon 'the belt for increasing the"cleaning efliciency; a I FIG. 6 illustrates a modification of thecleaning element which renders itgmore flexible and increases itscleaning etficiency.

-Because sealed-beam headlamps. -1 :(shown in outline) currently in usehave projections on the lens surface, an overlay lens 2 must be providedto give a smooth surface I which is symmetrical about the axis ofrotation ofithe' rotor. 1 The rotor is generally designated by arrow 3.It

provides a support means for the rotor shaft 4 and givesarecessedstepback 5 from the edgeof the surface 2 to be cleaned. Thelatter allows the element 10 to contact and clean the outermost portionof the lens, 2 by giving clearance for the outer support means 6 of theelement 1 0 .,,1Thesefeatures 4 and 5 should ultimately be incor- Thechoice ofla convex lens surface 2 allows the elongated cleaning element10 to apply force against it while being supported only at its ends. 1 IFIG. 2 is a cross section of FIG. 3. In the v case of a concave surfaceit illustrates 7 how the element 10 is loosely supported upon rotatingfins 12 by means of hook 15. As the element 10 rotates, the centrifugalforce indicatedby, and acting in the direction of arrow 8, causes theelement 10 to be forced against the concave surface 9.

FIG. 3 shows that the element in this case can be an endless beltrotating in the pulley groove 24 at the base of shaft, .4. ;An inflatedgasket 11 of foam rubber or plastic seals the, edge of the overlay lensagainst the lamp 1-proper.

' In FIG. 4,:to provide the rotating force for the element 4 31, aseries of air fins 1'2 are arranged in a ring around the periphery ofthelens, thereby avoiding light blockage. Three thin tension spokes 13connect the fins 12 .to a hub, bearing and shaft 14 at. the center ofthe lens about which the rotor rotates. Air pressure against the lenspushes radially against the fins, the action of which causes the rotorto' spin. In a more elaborate installation. the rotor ring can beprotected "by a decorative perforated bezel which would allow 'free airpassage rag fibers, taking with them particles of dirtin clots. It

is called Clotting. It will cause smearing. of dirt if clean portions ofthe ragare not available to remove the remaining dirt from the glass byclotting.

Another action is called Dusting, which is the mechanical breaking ofelectrical and cementing bonds which hold dirt and salt crystals on thelens in the dry state. This invention combines these three properties,at the expense of negligible light loss, in a thin, fibrous elementadapted to rotate in contact with the lens surface.

In reference to the attached drawings, the following description clearlysets forth the necessary improvements in the rotary wiper: 7

FIGURE 1 illustrates one embodiment of the rotary wiper applied to astandard automobile headlight lens (shown in outline) includingcentrifugal tensioning means. the ends of the cleaning element;

FIG. 2 is a cross section of Also shown is an improved bearing means forthrough it. The bezel would be a part of the automobile trim or aseparate. attachment to the headlamp retaining frame. The flexibility ofthe tension spokes 13 evercomes the tendency of the bushing type ofbearing to chatter. Roller bearings could be used toincrease the servicelife and stability of the unit. "To overcome. the centrifugal forcewhich is indicated by arrow 17 in FIG. 1, that tends to pull the elementaway from the lens 2, a guided, movable weight 16 is attached to one ofits ends. Centrifugal force 18 of .the weight causes it to move out andto apply tension on the element 10 only while the rotor 3 spins,oflsetting the pull-away of the element 10; automatically adjusting thecleaning force and running friction to the torque capacity of the rotor;eliminating the starting friction, allowing the element 10 to work'atvery low air speeds; giving a governing action which limits the topspeed of the rotor .3. The weight 21' at the left hand end functionssimilarly.

By providing bearings 20 for the end supports 6 and 7 of the element 10,it is allowed to roll continuouslyn The bearings 20 are thecompass-type, low-friction needle bearings. The weights 16 and 21 slideoutward through guides 6 and 7 on the rotor 3 to engage their respectiveneedle seats 20 because of centrifugal force 18.1'Thus,

tension is applied on the 1r 1 a movenieiit. 1 a reaction f the lensportion near the shaft '4. Thus, the

. srr 4119? element as thespeed increases; random contact is increaseddue to differential rolling,

- i .e., the ,outer portion, of the element 10, traversing ai -greaterdistance over the lens 2, rolls more than the inner portion. Theaccompanying vibratoryactions are sharp se ne element winds up and nnwin'ds, snapping and t *dustingoff dirt which has dried on the, lens.Wet dirt isalte r'nately absorbed and wrung outand spun off.

By extending the element 10 both directions beyond its extreme" pointsof tangency 'with the lens, it is allowed to roll and topresentitstotalsurfaceto the lens at all points contact on the lens, avoiding clottingat the ends of the element and resultant-smear; assuring its twistingand selfcleaning; in general, giving better random contact; aeeause"of-"the' shortening of the element, caused by ;,twistin"gaaame end-playofthe sliding'bearings 20, a very ble' cleaning motion is apparent. ThisIcall longi- It is also caused by the frictional element Stamens moveout and in along its own'axis,

, thereby reniovingany. rings of smear thatform due to the m g i I IiFIGQ'S illustrates a side ViGW'Of the belt type-of elemam; Here: inorder to best utilize the longitudinal mavement,-' the ends of-theelement are in effect, extended snming clockwise rotation ofthe rotor27, the longitudinalfirnovement is allowed towdraw: the element aroundlike a pulley belt in the directionof arrows 28. Thus arranged so thatit canslide through the outersupports "generally designated 25,26, thefollowing things are deserved: Clots" are carriedout to theedge ofthelens of tene revolutionbecause: the next revolution presents adifferent portion ofthe belt on the'lens each time around.Wear-distribution is ideal. Rolling and twisting and selfeieaaiagare,unhindered because the belt rolls as it slides bi it' f v tmsa s. 5,'2 t

" and spun offz: Rings of dirt take the form ofspirals llierega subantial portion of the belt is circulated: near the periphery or thelens. The radial component of-cen;

trifugalforce actingon this portion causes the belt auto--.callyto'tension itself, Dirt and waterincrease'the an gr,entrifugalten'sioning," I v 9 ju q ha 92mins a t aus s t belt. t

. heft 2, A1 aerati p ed. he l V ecu s2 a P iSh d asain tth ss.

. .5 qsli q h e ut r s ms. me ns Over h g a s- :9 FIGURE n. na ls 'si sla i 6 me, q te r e 22. s xed t he :f 3,072,947; is

'' contact force on a'smaller net area.

This increased the unit cleaning pressure nearly twenty times and provedvaluable-in removing dry salt deposits by adding a polishing action toits mopping action.

It was noted that an oily'windshield is impossible to U clean of waterwith the squeegee 'becausethe'high surface tension of thewater formeddroplets. This phenomenon was found tobe advantageous in the case ofheadlights.

Silicone products such as'Z4l41 (Dow Corning) make a chemical andphysical change in the glass surface, which imparts a water-repellentquality. Due to a lubricative 7 character, it also raises the resistanceof the glass to abrasion of the dirt.

aqueous dirt suspension merely to form droplets, most of which rolledtogether'and fell off, leaving many areas dry and clean.- By-thuskeeping Water in droplet form,

its drying time is greatly lengthened .due to its reduced area. IThedroplets are much more readily removed be cause the extra thicknessmakes them more easily conj tacted, absorbed and spun off by theelement. Smearing cannot occur when the glass resists wetting. In all ofthe loppedelements it isnecessary to provide guidesithrough which thebeltcan slide without stalling,

'around the shaft 4 andconnected'together, Thus, as-

especially where'knots makelit irregular. Pulleys were used :atfirsL-but'were not reliable nor necessary. The guides-.canbe openingswhich are provided with slots 36, 37 which ,allowthe loop element to beattached with out break-ingthe continuity'of' the belt.

' Qtherapplications of this headlight wiper are obvious on tail lights,reflectors, marinelights, buoys, rear view mirrors, periscopes, goggles,wind shields, and other lenses provided with a suitablerot-ation means.v

Suppleness ofthe element isan important factor, enablingit to performits various movements at the expense of? minimumv energy;

FIG. 6 isan enlarged cross section taken on line B-B.

of FIG. '5. It illustrates a modification of the element which yieldsincreased flexibility as well as greater dirt carrying capacity. Theelement consistsof'a thin cord38 upon: which many nylonwashers 39arestrungv in the manner 'of arstr-ing of beads. Arrow- 40 indicates thedirection .in which the element moves as it slides over the be nec sarytoiuclude a'separate, movablejweight to 'ihe'vr eish 3. 1 r 1 ould. awP9 9 .aiqa'a twas are. et hereb ncrea ca af w in wet weather driving;Thebeltslidesthruthe Weight tlwl s -i wan ed. b mfi -r 3 5 1.1 Ibsen?-mo Jlt wasbbs s l 1 1 estsct fih Wiper s snt lh 't inlrage. appreciablyYtightened. hem in. wet, weather. "T qr. a u rd, o, ad an e n. ncreas nghese!- ice ifefof the belfwhe're anex'tra centrifugal. tensioning l tifiwas sed Dn s'fd t edi ionsthebe t w onglenough tQslidethroughWthQiWeight whenit was illtsimo t PO ifiQ ll i h i 14. 0.

t position offthe weight a e v v he cns onbtaydrv hclt l- W e h beltheitf he ei ht co ld-ru he. xt ension, o h

tau edlifw sht miawayl fromithe outer stop;

shrunken belt whendt wasmost eeded.

An imp; ement overithe simple element, was made by braiding soasltogiveaseriesof knots '33. Several threadsfof nylon are. wrapped" around,a form of proper il1 t rene+f Wi h' he t hread hs bteidd sisether. in es. o ma B pr nt n ew r pointsofcontac't on the glass, it can concentrateits total m ts allwh s' w u d bsorb. W te w n whemthe roto'i isfspinning.

light'surfa'ce and over theouter support 25, FIGS. 5 and 6. the. washerspass overthesurface before they reach theguide 25; theyroll easily andinan irregular-manner, collecting dirtbetween them by capillary action.When they reach the supporbZS; turn, and move toward the other support26, they: become separated and allow the 1. In. awiper-for removing-d'irtfroma light-pervious surface, a,thiriivibratiletcleaning elementhaving aaportion engageablei with the. surface. rotatable means:rotatable relative-to the surface fori-supporting said element, meansincluding said rotatable meansfor rotatingsaid element realtive to saidsurface and for causing said element repetitivelyandintermittently toengageand slap the. surface during;said:v rotation, at, mass. supportedupon. said rotatablelmeansrandadapted,to movev away from the axis of said,, r otation in response. to.cent rif ugal force and to apply tensionin said element causing saidportionfto tend to;conforr n ,to a straight,line through said .upportmeans during the rotation of said rotatablemeans.

2. In a w-iper as claimed in claim 1, said element com- The lens thustreatedcause'd any prising an endless belt, said portion supported uponsaid tact with said surface thereby drawing said portion against 5 saidsurface during the rotation of said rotatable means.

3. In a wiper as defined in claim 1, said rotatable means including abob attached to the end of said element, a spindle bearing and guidemeans for guiding said bob into rotary engagement with said bearing.

4. In a wiper as defined in claim 1, said mass compris ing a porous bodycapable of absorbing moisture deposited on the outer surface thereof toincrease the centrifugal force on said mass.

5. In a wiper as defined in claim 2, said belt compris ing a series ofsmall perforated discs strung upon a flexible filament wherein saiddiscs, responsive to centrifugal force, slide together collecting saiddirt and become separated by said support means to release'said dirt'during the rotation of said rotatable means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS PaolisApr. 19, 1960

1. IN A WIPER FOR REMOVING DIRT FROM A LIGHT-PERVIOUS SURFACE, A THINVIBRATILE CLEANING ELEMENT HAVING A PORTION ENGAGEABLE WITH THE SURFACE,ROTATABLE MEANS ROTATABLE RELATIVE TO THE SURFACE FOR SUPPORTING SAIDELEMENT, MEANS INCLUDING SAID ROTATABLE MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID ELEMENTRELATIVE TO SAID SURFACE AND FOR CAUSING SAID ELEMENT REPETITIVELY ANDINTERMITTENTLY TO ENGAGE AND SLAP THE SURFACE DURING SAID ROTATION, AMASS SUPPORTED UPON SAID ROTATABLE MEANS AND ADAPTED TO MOVE AWAY FROMTHE AXIS OF SAID ROTATION IN RESPONSE TO CENTRIFUGAL FORCE AND TO APPLYTENSION IN SAID ELEMENT CAUSING SAID PORTION TO TEND TO CONFORM TO ASTRAIGHT LINE THROUGH SAID SUPPORT MEANS DURING THE ROTATION OF SAIDROTATABLE MEANS.